England stars step up home security after armed thugs broke into Raheem Sterling’s home while his family was inside

ENGLAND stars beef up their home security after armed thugs broke into Raheem Sterling’s home.

The team also offered their support to the 27-year-old Chelsea forward after the raid while his fiancé and children were at home.

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Police were at the luxury estate in Cobham, Surrey over the weekend and security forces patrolled late into the night.

Terrified fiancee Paige Milian, 27 – at home with their two children – sounded the alarm when the gang stole £300,000 worth of watches.

It’s the latest in a string of burglaries against footballers.

Sterling rushed home ahead of England’s 3-0 win over Senegal yesterday to comfort his family, who are said to have been devastated by Saturday’s incident.

It is not known if real estate developer Paige confronted the attackers, or if they fled upon realizing someone was inside.

The gang may have thought she and the couple’s sons, aged five and three, were still in Qatar.

Sterling told FA bosses he had to go home. Shortly before the round of 16 duel against Senegal, it was announced that he had left the squad.

He may return to Qatar in Saturday’s quarter-final against France.

Boss Gareth Southgate said after yesterday’s win: “For him, being with his family is a priority.

“We will support that and give him as much time as he needs.

“He goes back home. I don’t want to put pressure on him. Football is sometimes not the most important thing, family should come first.”

Captain Harry Kane added: “Our thoughts are with him and his family.

“It’s a private matter, but it’s never easy to see one of your teammates and friends involved with something like that.

“We have to take it day by day. I’m sure Raheem will speak to the manager and make the best decision for him and his family. That’s the most important. We send him our best wishes and hope to see him as soon as possible.”

And Jordan Henderson, who wore Sterling’s No. 10 shorts as the players met their families after full-time, said: “It’s a blow, but I hope Raheem’s family at home is all right.

“I hope he goes back and can sort everything out.

“I’m not sure he can come back, I suppose he’ll have to judge when he’s there, but all our thoughts and support are with him.”

Ahead of England’s first game, Paige posted pictures of the two boys on a cruise ship in Doha, and she was tagged with cocktails in social media pictures.

A family source said: “This was terrifying for her and obviously traumatic for the whole family.

“Raheem must have been beside himself with worry when he heard it.

“Being away when your partner and children are home when an armed gang breaks in is indescribable.

“It looks like around £300,000 worth of watches have been stolen. The police were there for several hours.”

The head of a national intelligence unit focused on serious organized crime has warned of a rise in star heists as gangs scour social media feeds.

Supt Carl Williams of Operation Opal said: “In today’s world where many wealthy individuals are active on social media, their significant public profile can help make them targets.

“Their prized possessions are often on display, as is information about their plans.”

The FA said last night: “Raheem is not available for selection for the Three Lions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”